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Brighton Today
By the People, for the People
Arsenal Hold Firm Team Meeting After Wolves Draw
Declan Rice says the squad is ready to respond in North London derby against Tottenham
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has revealed that the team held an intense team meeting following their midweek 2-2 draw against Wolves in the Premier League. The Gunners have struggled with inconsistent form in the league recently, winning just two of their last seven matches. Rice said the squad knows they let the fans down and are determined to bounce back in the crucial North London derby against Tottenham this weekend.
Why it matters
Arsenal's title challenge has stalled in recent weeks, with the draw against Wolves leaving them just five points clear at the top of the table. A win against their rivals Tottenham would help them regain momentum and maintain their lead, while a loss could see the gap tighten significantly in the race for the Premier League crown.
The details
After the disappointing result against Wolves, where Arsenal let a lead slip, the squad held an intense team meeting to address the issues. Midfielder Declan Rice said the players were 'firm' with each other and acknowledged they had 'let themselves and the fans down' by not securing all three points. Rice stated the team is now 'ready to go again' and sees the North London derby as the 'perfect game to respond' after the Wolves draw.
- Arsenal drew 2-2 with Wolves on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
- Arsenal will face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
The players
Declan Rice
An Arsenal midfielder who revealed details about the team meeting following the Wolves draw.
Mikel Arteta
The manager of Arsenal, whose team has struggled with inconsistent form in the Premier League recently.
What they’re saying
“We're not going to be handed it, we need to go and win it, we need to deserve it and we need to be ready for anything that is thrown at us.”
— Declan Rice, Arsenal Midfielder (The S*n)
“We spoke to each other in a firm way after Wolves, we knew we'd let ourselves and the fans down after being in such a good position.”
— Declan Rice, Arsenal Midfielder (The S*n)
What’s next
If Arsenal can get a win on Sunday against Tottenham and maintain their current gap at the top of the Premier League table, it would provide crucial momentum ahead of another couple of tricky games at home to Chelsea and away to Brighton at the start of next month.
The takeaway
Arsenal's title challenge has hit a rough patch, but the team's willingness to hold themselves accountable and respond in a crucial North London derby shows their determination to get their season back on track and secure the Premier League crown.
